If your weekly shop regularly includes frozen food, start by looking at fridge freezers with fridge and freezer capacities that suit what you buy. Then check that the appliance will fit in your kitchen, allowing for the door to open and for ventilation. If space means you need a more compact appliance, a table-top or single-door model may work, but check the actual capacity of any freezer compartment. For an integrated model, you’ll also need to make sure it’s compatible with your cabinet housing and door system.
How often you shop isn’t the only thing that determines the size of appliance you need: space for frozen food and installation requirements matter just as much.
A fridge freezer lets you compare the space for fresh and frozen food separately. Whirlpool and Bosch list the capacities of both compartments for their WFNF82EOXFR and KGN39EXCF models. Compare these with your usual shop before choosing a model that fits your kitchen.
If width or the space beneath a worktop limits your options, it’s worth considering a compact model. Beko lists the TSE1234FSN table-top fridge as 54 cm wide, but you should also check the model’s full dimensions and the capacity of each compartment.
The size of the housing isn’t the only thing to consider: check the door fixing system, ventilation and opening direction. For example, Electrolux’s KRF6DD18S1 product information specifies a sliding-hinge installation; this must be compatible with your existing cabinet.
Start with the space available and how much frozen food you store between shops. These two factors can help you choose between a fridge freezer, a more compact appliance and an integrated model.
| Feature | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge and freezer capacities | Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately, then check the layout of the shelves and drawers. For example, Whirlpool lists 223 L of fridge capacity and 97 L of freezer capacity for the WFNF82EOXFR; Bosch lists 260 L and 103 L for the KGN39EXCF. | I need enough space for frozen food to last until my next shop, but I don’t want to choose an appliance that’s too bulky. The total capacity doesn’t tell me how much space is available in the freezer. |
| Size and access | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the delivery route, door clearance and ventilation gaps specified in the manual. According to Bosch, the KGN39EXCF measures 203 × 60 × 66,5 cm, so its width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit. | The door needs to open and the drawers need to be accessible without getting in the way of other things in my kitchen. |
| Installation type | For an integrated model, check the housing dimensions, door fixing system and ventilation requirements against the model’s instructions. For a freestanding appliance, check the specified clearances too. | If I’m replacing an integrated appliance, I need a model that’s compatible with my cabinet; having enough capacity isn’t enough. |
| Frost management | Check which compartment is covered by No Frost or Low Frost claims, and read the model’s care instructions. These terms alone don’t tell you how much storage space is available. | I want to take freezer maintenance into account, while giving priority to the space I need for my food. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the annual energy consumption and noise level of the models you’re considering, taking their formats and capacities into account. The European Commission’s EPREL database provides information on models covered by energy labelling. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen or studio flat too. I want to consider energy consumption alongside the other features, not in isolation. |
The total capacity doesn’t show how space is divided between the fridge and freezer. This matters if you regularly need to keep some of your shopping frozen.
Estimate what you store between shops, then compare the usable capacity and interior layout of each compartment separately.
The depth, height, door clearance and ventilation gaps can all make an appliance difficult to install or use, even if it fits in the space when viewed from the front.
Measure the delivery route and the space by the hinges too, then compare your measurements with the specifications and manual for the exact model.
The cabinet dimensions and door fixing mechanism must be compatible with the appliance. For example, Electrolux specifies sliding hinges for the KRF6DD18S1.
Before choosing, check the internal dimensions of the housing, the door system, ventilation openings and opening direction.
If the appliance isn’t compatible, you may need to adapt the cabinet or arrange installation work.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years on new and second-hand goods. The DGCCRF notes that some three-year commercial warranties add only one year to this statutory protection.
Check what the extension actually adds: extra cover, which faults are included, exclusions and how to make a claim.
The models mentioned show different configurations; their features won’t necessarily apply to other appliances from the same brand.
Worth considering if a table-top format could suit your space.
An example of a freestanding fridge freezer for a kitchen with room for a tall appliance.
Compare different configurations according to how much space you need for frozen food.
A useful model to consider when checking the requirements for an integrated appliance.
This selection includes integrated and freestanding models. To choose between them, compare the space for frozen food and check the installation requirements for your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if the housing and door fixing system are suitable. The product name lists 252 L, No Frost, an energy rating of C and an Inverter compressor. Check the manual for installation dimensions and the space allocated to the freezer.
Image unavailable
Its listed width of 54 cm is worth comparing with the full available space, including the height and ventilation. The product lists 153 L of fridge capacity and 74 L of freezer capacity, as well as Low Frost, a reversible door and an energy rating of E.
Image unavailable
At 150 cm tall, this fridge freezer could be worth considering if height is limited; check its width, depth and door clearance too. The product name lists Low Frost, a 4-star freezer, a reversible door, 39 dB and an energy rating of E. Compare the freezer capacity with what you usually buy.
Image unavailable
This model has a bottom freezer: compare how easy it is to access and how much it holds with your shopping habits. Its product name lists a total capacity of 282 L and an energy rating of E. Measure the space and check the required clearances in the manual before choosing this format.
Image unavailable
If you’re replacing an integrated appliance, first check the housing, door system and ventilation requirements for this model. Its product name lists 249 L, TwinTech No Frost technology and an energy rating of E. Check the freezer capacity separately before comparing it with your weekly shop.
If your weekly shop includes frozen food, compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. Whirlpool’s specifications for the WFNF82EOXFR and Bosch’s for the KGN39EXCF list the two compartments separately; the total capacity alone doesn’t show how much space is available for frozen food.
It depends on the model’s instructions: check the ventilation gaps and space needed to open the door before buying. Electrolux instructions specify 40 mm at the sides and above, and 30 mm at the back; these measurements aren’t a rule for every appliance.
No. Check the housing, door fixing system and ventilation requirements against the new appliance’s manual. For example, Electrolux specifies sliding-hinge installation for the KRF6DD18S1, so similar dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it will fit an existing cabinet.
Consider the model’s annual energy consumption and noise level alongside its capacity and format. The European Commission’s EPREL database lets you look up information on models covered by energy labelling; an energy rating or marketing claim on its own doesn’t tell you whether an appliance is right for your kitchen.
Check the model’s manual for preparation, transport and reconnecting it to the power supply. Bosch recommends transporting a fridge upright rather than horizontally because of a potential risk involving the motor oil. Check the instructions for your appliance before moving it.